The Ministry of Law (“MinLaw“) and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (“MDDI“) had proposed a series of measures to enhance online safety and better protect Singaporeans from harmful online content. To obtain feedback from stakeholders, MinLaw and MDDI conducted a joint public consultation from 22 November 2024 to 22 December 2024 on the proposed measures, and held a series of closed-door engagement sessions with industry partners. MinLaw and MDDI have now issued a summary of the feedback received and their response to the feedback.
Overall, respondents to the public consultation were supportive of the measures proposed. MinLaw and MDDI have indicated an intention to proceed with the measures, and have provided their response to concerns raised, including the following:
- Proposal to introduce a new complaints mechanism to be administered by a new agency: MinLaw and MDDI will set out clear definitions of online harms in legislation, make provisions for complainants and persons affected by agency decisions to appeal to an independent panel, and issue practical directions.
- Proposal for new statutory torts for specified online harms to be heard in the Singapore Courts: To address the concerns raised on communicator liability vs platform liability, and on free speech restrictions, MinLaw and MDDI highlighted that proposals contain safeguards to respect free expression. They will also work towards providing greater clarity on how the various laws complement each other in due course.
- Proposal on increasing accountability through improved user information disclosure: The agencies will work closely with industry partners to ensure that any requirements for user information collection and disclosure are workable, and ensure strict safeguards and penalties for misuse.
- Ensuring that measures and support services are accessible to all victims of online harms: MinLaw and MDDI will work with suitable partners to develop a holistic approach that prioritises accessibility and victim support.
Click on the following link for more information:
- Public Consultation on Enhancing Online Safety (available on the REACH website at reach.gov.sg)
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